5 Strategies for a Better Baseball Game

True, it helps to be born with a natural proclivity toward the southpaw. But if you really want to improve your game, switch hitters and throwers -- or just lefties in general -- are a valued commodity. Consider that while one in 10 people are left handed in the general population, upward of 25 percent of baseball players are predominant lefties [source: Newsweek].

Why are lefties so sought out for batting? One reason is shockingly simple: When facing the pitcher, they're on the right side of the base, which means they're a few steps closer to making it to first. They also aren't looking over their shoulder when batting against a right-handed pitcher, which some argue can help them see the ball with better depth perception.

And why are left-handed pitchers needed? For one, simply because they're rare. Most hitters are used to righty pitchers, and for players overly sensitive to being "off" their game, facing a southpaw can be intimidating. Also, many batters maintain that a lefty pitch comes at a different angle, adding to the confusion.

So teach yourself to be a switch hitter or pitcher, and you'll double your value to a team.